Independence Day Special

Indian Nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) arriving through a surging crowd for a prayer meeting on the Calcutta Maidan on 26th August 1947. 100,000 Hindus and Muslims congregated to listen to Gandhi during the meeting in celebration of the Muslim festival Id-ul-Fitr.

Indian Nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) arriving through a surging crowd for a prayer meeting on the Calcutta Maidan on 26th August 1947. 100,000 Hindus and Muslims congregated to listen to Gandhi during the meeting in celebration of the Muslim festival Id-ul-Fitr. (Getty Images)

Shortly after the Mahatma’s assassination, the urn arrived in the city which was kept at Town Hall allowing people to pay their last respects. Later it was taken in a procession and immersed in Cauvery water.

Shortly after the Mahatma’s assassination, the urn arrived in the city which was kept at Town Hall allowing people to pay their last respects. Later it was taken in a procession and immersed in Cauvery water. (BCCL)

Independence Day celebration on August 15, 1949. Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru taking the salute from the Red Fort after unfurling the the National flag. S Baldeo Singh is seen on his right.

Independence Day celebration on August 15, 1949. Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru taking the salute from the Red Fort after unfurling the the National flag. S Baldeo Singh is seen on his right. (BCCL)